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Started playing in 1967. Played for a living in several cover bands in the early 70's. Spent some time trying to make it with a few original music bands and as a song writer. Went out to Nashville.Tried to make it as a song writer.

What was the first concert you ever went to?

The first concert I remember would be Jimi Hendrix at Dorton Arena.Raleigh,NC. 1969.
My brother,Jim bought us tickets. A long list of many kind things he's done for me through the years. (He is also the person who got me started playing.)

I love what Fanadlism does. Just want to let folks know, when you see me do the live, on camera stuff, I have a system I use: The first time I get a complete take, that's what I use.
That includes fret buzzes, bad notes and all. It's my goal to play "like people speak". Sometimes it means mistakes,bad grammar and slang. Sometimes it means you hear brilliant light from the heart. Perfect is a bore. Human is anything but boring.

Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?

Local country musicains:Jim Thorton's Band,Homer Briar Hoppers guitar player,Jim Forsythe.Local cover bands.(The Embers,The Castaways,The Tasslels,The Generations,The Bondsmen,The Dukes of Durham,The Coachmen,Sour Honey,Willie T and Workshop,Uncle Tubb...on and on. They all showed how it was done live. The country players (guitar players,at least) were more interesting than most of the R&B and Soul guys. But,they all taught you things,if you were listening. I should also mention Rick Whitfield,Clyde Mattocks,Andy Swindell,Casey Haskins,Jerry Hudson,Johnny Thompson,Myself,Bill Barnes,Watts Mangum,Sue Witty,David Glenn,Wayne Kessinger,and all of the people I have been lucky enough to play music with through the years. I've learned from all of these guys.

Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?

No more bands for me. I play solo guitar.Some vocals. Blues,Jazz and originals. I use nylon string and a jazz box for this. I also, do weddings and receptions. For this, it's mostly nylon string/classical guitar.

If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?

I do not enjoy jaming. I have to constanly "change my shots" in order to do it. I feel freer and happier doing the solos. Part of what I enjoy is trying to push moving bass parts through melody. It's hard to do. But,it's also lots of fun when it works. But, if I had to play with another person(besides David Glenn) I'd like a wind player that didn't overplay or, a cello player that didn't have to have sheet music in order to play.

What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?

10,000 people at some pier for some IFC function at Myrtle Beach.(might have been Atlantic Beach) with the cover band Mainstream. Close to that number at a similar function at Duke University. Smallest: Zero. Tables and chairs. My most memorable gig was at a coffee house(I hated playing coffee houses,for the most part.) on 9th street in Durham,NC. It later became a tatto parlor. I loved this gig because I played well and I felt like I was doing exactly what I do best.That is seldom the case,for most of us. That was and is my bliss.

You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?

I couldn't pick just one. Contenders:The Velvet Sofa by The Nudes. Axis:Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix.Sgt.Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis. Buck Owens Live at Carnige Hall(sp). Ladies of The Canyon by Joni Mitchell. I haven't even started with blues or classical.